Our Philosophy

Tustin Community Preschool's philosophy is simple: The best way to prepare children for life and to become independent thinkers is to allow them to develop at their own pace through playtime and creative expression. We offer a hands-on approach in a developmental environment, nurturing all sides of the mind, body and spirit.

 

Because we recognize the importance of human development within the early childhood years, TCP's program is structured around helping each child reach their highest potential through the exploration of their natural abilities and curiosities.

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Our mission is to provide an enriching and stimulating developmental preschool experience for young children through dedicated and committed parent participation.

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What is a Co-Op? And Why a Co-Op?

A cooperative preschool, or "co-op", is one at which parents work as volunteers on a rotating basis fulfilling jobs both in and out of the classroom. 

Q: Is your family right for a parent participation or "co-op" preschool? 
A: In a parent participation preschool, each family is involved in the planning and operation of the school. In the day-to-day running of the school, parents work under the supervision of one of our very experienced teachers and/or director.

 

Additionally, each parent takes on a job at the school to ensure that we maintain a fun, fully-enriching environment for our children. This can be anything from a board director position (Each year, the parents form a board of directors and are active in all decision-making at either the board or general membership level) to maintaining the classroom art area, to serving on a committee such as Curriculum or Ways & Means. For TCP to run smoothly, every parent's contribution and commitment is important. This is what drives the developmental enrichment program that we are committed to providing for all of our children. Finally, all parents participate in fundraising and event activities as needed.

 

Q: What makes the ideal TCP working parent? 
A: A parent that stays at home, works part-time or has flexible work hours makes an ideal candidate. If you love to volunteer and get involved with your child, and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, then you will love this school. We also need parents that can "love up" all the kids in the class – not just their own.

 

Q: What does a parent participation program offer? 
A: The child learns to communicate and be social not only with other children, but with adults outside of their family as well.

 

There is tremendous benefit in learning about how your child develops, how the educational process begins, and in being able to watch your child change and grow along with their friends.

 

TCP families create a community within the school, and we all work together to help nurture all of our children. Bonds of friendship and community are created quickly in this setting, providing both children AND parents with a supportive network of peers. We all share a common goal: to raise our kids in the developmentally enriching environment of which we all become a part. In other words, TCP becomes as much a learning experience for the parents as it does the child.

 

The Developmental Approach

The study of child development is the exploration of how children grow and develop naturally as they age from infancy to adulthood, reaching milestones at different stages of growth. Tustin Community Preschool takes that knowledge, through the experience and background of our teachers and director, and creates a program that takes into consideration the maturation process for each child's own level. So, rather than force a learning process that a child is not developmentally or chronologically ready to embrace, we instead encourage a learning process through thoughtful playtime, creative experiences and sensory discovery. By doing what is age-appropriate, your child will become confident and socially ready to handle life's next venture without losing their childhood. This type of "open-ended" learning will encourage your child to use their own amazing brain.

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